Marketing Exotic Bets

I write this with my tongue firmly in my cheek :

The launch of the 'racing casino' bet reminds me that the operator has failed to capitalise on the 'special bets' market. I was tempted to suggest a number of possibilities before the Met but never got around to doing so. Many of these bets would surely appeal to the punter for whom form study is is a little overwhelming and who possibly lacks the 'brain' for the alleged 'brain game'.

Bet #1 :

Saftote will go down on raceday?

This could be offered in a range from Yes or No or the precise number of occasions that it fails.

Bet #2 :

How many horses will bolt?

Self explanatory and subject to the same rules as #1.

Bet #3 :

How many horses will need to be re-shoed?

Punter can pick any number from 0 (not recommended!) to whatever. The operator could then profit from what has become a popular trend.

Bet #4 :

How long will it take to load the field?

This could be really interesting if we experience a delay which has a domino effect on the balance of the afternoon. The advertised race time would be the 'base' and every 30 seconds or part thereof could be a ST (starting time) + on which a punter could bet.

eg If a race 'jumped' 90 seconds after the advertised start the winning bet would be ST + 3.

This could get REALLY interesting if there was a serious delay. (In recent years I have observed the Met jump up to 15 minutes late; an outcome which could be difficult to pick).

Bet #5

Which Horse Will Be Struck The Most?

This one's a 'goodie' suggested to me by the SPCA. Special 'spotters' determine which horse got the most 'guidance'. You collect if you picked the right one.

Remember! All horses qualify so even the horse that trailed in mid field can win you the money if the pygmy riding it administers a sound, unwarranted beating. Same as always.

Bet #6 Changes That Are/Are Not Notified.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club would like to sponsor this one with a 'carryover' spirited out of fresh air.

Every change not disseminated is added together to create an end of meeting total. Get it right and you share in the pool.

Bet #7 How many more times will someone mention that Rob Scott used to work for Edcon?

Worth a bet!

Given Edcon's recent 'difficulties' it's something I am sure he would like to quietly expunge from his CV. Sadly divisions that fall under his control appear to be swerving in much the same fashion as his former employer. Coincidence?

Think about it.......the options are endless and might help to alleviate the tedium of a race meeting and the enormous gaps between races on a big raceday.

Oh........and all of these bets could be subject to a 33% takeout; which should pretty much clear most of the racecourses.

Have the bookies not offered "odds and evens" for years

I think new bets can dilute the other pools

The bets need to have huge payouts to catch on

Like a mega pick six with only straight lines allowed... The Jackpot would be 20m before we knew it

If the P6 is made a full bet and the carryover is to the next day who knows what will happen
Will force you into a better punter